Bobby Torres Ensemble: Percussionist, Producer

 

 

Web site by
Rick Ray
Bobby Torres Ensemble: Latin Jazz, Salsa, Samba and Rhythms

 



Reinhardt Melz
Musician, Teacher


Reinhardt is regarded as one of the top drummers in Portland Oregon. He is the son of Bobby Torres and plays with the Bobby Torres EnsembleAbout Reinhardt

Drummer Reinhardt Melz has been on the North West professional music scene since 1987. He is a consummate musician and teacher. He is also Bobby Torres eldest son.

Reinhardt prefers not to categorize music. Instead, he strives to play what the music calls for. He is a versatile drummer that is recognized for his talent in creating sophisticated rhythmic conversations. He is a “top-call” drummer who is in demand for work with artists of many different genres ranging from Jazz and Afro-Cuban to R&B, Rock-n Roll, Funk and Klezmer.

Experience

Reinhardt has taken lessons from Ignacio Berroa, Jimmy Branley, Alex Acuna, Bob Moses, Graham Lear, Michael Spiro and Cuban master percussionist Miguel Bernal. At a very young age, Reinhardt’s gigs with local musicians Lloyd Jones and Curtis Salgado led to opportunities to share the stage with Steve Miller, Buddy Guy, Earl King, and Delbert Mclinton. Playing with the Bobby Torres Ensemble has allowed Reinhardt to play with many top notch percussionists including Sandy Perez, Miguel Bernal and Regino Jimenez. As a member of the Bobby Torres Ensemble, Reinhardt opened for Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval and Poncho Sanchez.

Touring

Reinhardt is currently touring with Gino Vanelli. When home in Portland, Reinhardt keeps a busy schedule with free lance work (both live and studio) and private instruction. Reinhardt has performed with James Carter (world renowned jazz musician) and Ernestine Anderson (legendary jazz vocalist). Reinhardt also tours with Tony Furtado (virtuoso guitarist and banjo player).


Reinhardt Melz with his friend Grammy Nominated Luis Conte. Playing with the Ensemble

 Reinhardt plays with the Bobby Torres Ensemble when he is available. Here is is pictured with the Ensemble on stage with his lifelong friend Grammy Nominated Luis Conté on timbales, brother Carmelo Torres on congas, and his dad - Bobby Torres on bongos at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival 2005.

Discography

Please check back for detailed information on Reinhardt's recordings.
Reinhardt is the drummer on Bobby Torres' CD It's Heaven I Surmise (below).

CD Cover, Arsenio Torres, Oil on canvas, 2003.
Hire Reinhardt!

• For Studio Recording Sessions
• To Play in your Band
• To Teach you Drumming

To contact Reinhardt, please call Bobby at
(503) 224-9314. send an email to Reinhardt Melz
c/o Bobby Torres by clicking here.